Venus Bumped in First Round

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

 

Venus Williams didn’t quite know what to expect when she stepped on the Arthur Ashe court Tuesday afternoon. She had gone almost a year not picking up a racquet but felt her preparation coming into the US Open would result in some victories. Unfortunately, she was matched up against an experienced and younger Alison Van Uytvanck the 28 year old from Belgian. 

 

Venus found herself in a hole early dropping the first 4 games of the first set. Her serves and ground strokes betrayed her and she ended up losing the first set 6-4. Williams righted herself in the second set but just when it looked like she would force a third set, Uytvanck would come up with baseline and drop shots that paralyzed Venus. 

 

Williams managed, despite more unforced errors, to send the second set into a tie-breaker but would lose 7-5. Alison was quick to praise Venus. “She means so much to women’s tennis. She’s a legend.”

 

Venus Williams was making her 23^rd appearance in Queens and had never lost in the first round until 2020. Now her focus will be doubles with sister Serena looking to add another title. When asked who’s idea was it to play doubles, she said, “it was Serena’s idea. She’s the boss. I’ll do whatever she tell me to do.”

 

After the first set, it would have been very easy for Williams get discouraged and not put up a fight. That is not her make up and it is why she has the many grand slams she has. Williams acknowledged the talent of her opponent. “I think this is some of the best tennis she’s ever played,” she began. “Her level was really incredible today.” 

 

After Serena Williams stirring win Monday night, the crowd was hoping that Venus could come away with a win as well. It didn’t happen but not for a lack of effort. Williams was very gracious in defeat and talked about the second set and coming up short. “I was still finding my space,” she began. “This is my first major in over a year. I was finding my space, my rhythm. Finding my myself out there getting closer and closer. I felt like l did what I needed to do to win the tie breaker. But there’s nothing you can do in the moments like that.” 

 

Earlier in the day, 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens had to come back after losing the first set to Belgium Greet Minnen at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Sloane dug down deep and breezed through the next 2 sets taking out Minnen 6-3, 6-3. Sloane gave all the credit to the fans in attendance her turning around the match. “I was just fighting as hard as l can and with your support, you pushed me through. So l thank you.” 

 

Things will not any easier for Stephens as she will take on the #1 ranked woman Ida Swiatek (Poland) who dispatched Jasmine Pasolini (Italy) 6-3, 6-0 in their first match.